Being a Resident Assistant can be daunting. Whether you’ve done it for the past two years or you’re just going through training, it’s always helpful to know that someone else has been there too. Here are some of the things I’ve learned my first year of being an RA:

1. People will assume you’re just in it for the free room and board.

Really, I did it to help my peers and act as a mentor! The free room is just a bonus.

2. There will always be someone blasting music on your floor, no matter how many times you ask them to turn it down.

There are these things called “quiet hours” for a reason.

3. Not everyone will come to programs…unless there’s free food. 

But I mean, can you blame them?

4. There will always be that one resident who wants to be your best friend…

Even if you’re just not feelin’ it.

5. …and the one who wants nothing to do with you.

YOU JUST NEED TO SIGN THIS PAPER AND I WILL LEAVE YOU ALONE.

6. It’s impossible to explain how much you do to non-RAs.

No, I don’t just sit in my free room all day.

7. You will make an impact. 

No matter what, always remember that you will make a difference in the lives of your residents.

What else do you wish you had known when becoming an RA?